Can the HONOR X9c 5G be the perfect balance of style, performance, and durability in a mid-range phone? With its sleek design, powerful camera, and long-lasting battery, it promises much—but does it deliver enough to stand out in a competitive market? We explore whether the HONOR X9c 5G meets these expectations.
The HONOR X9c continues the legacy of the X9 series, building on the success of its predecessors, the X9a and X9b. The X9a gained attention for its durable curved display and slim design, while the X9b focused on better performance and camera enhancements. The X9c makes its protection even better while beefing up most of its hardware, making it an intriguing option for tech-savvy users.
HONOR X9c 5G specs:
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2700×1224 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1.07 billion colors
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, Adreno A710 GPU
- RAM and Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB storage
- Rear Cameras: 108MP (main, f/1.75, OIS), 5MP (wide, f/2.2)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.45)
- Battery: 6600mAh with 66W wired charging
- Operating System: MagicOS 8.0 (Android 14)
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Dimensions: 162.8 mm x 75.5 mm x 7.98 mm
- Weight: Approx. 189g
- Other Features: Dual stereo speakers, IP65M water resistance, NFC, fingerprint sensor
What’s in the Box
The HONOR X9c 5G package includes the phone, a 66W Super Charger, a USB Type-C cable, an eject pin, a TPU protective case, a pre-applied screen protector, a quick start guide, and a warranty card. These accessories offer essential protection and functionality right out of the box.
Design and Construction
The HONOR X9c 5G offers a slim and lightweight design, measuring 7.98 mm thick and weighing approximately 189 grams. Its ergonomic build makes it comfortable for prolonged use. The back panel features a matte finish that resists fingerprints, while the circular camera module adds a modern aesthetic.
You’ll find the power button and volume rocker on the right side of the phone, both easily accessible with one hand. At the bottom, there is a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, a SIM card tray that supports dual SIMs, and a single speaker grille.
The top houses an additional microphone for noise cancellation during calls. While the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, its design focuses on simplicity and functionality. The IP65M rating ensures protection against water splashes and dust even while you’re on the go, making it a durable option for everyday use.
Display and Audio
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is one of the standout features of the HONOR X9c 5G. With a resolution of 2700×1224 and support for 1.07 billion colors, the screen delivers vibrant and sharp visuals. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and an enhanced gaming experience. It also supports dynamic dimming and an eye comfort mode, reducing strain during extended usage. Whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or browsing, the display performs consistently well across various tasks.
Audio is delivered through dual stereo speakers, providing clear and balanced sound. While the speakers offer good clarity, they may lack depth in bass-heavy tracks. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack means users need to rely on USB-C or wireless audio solutions. This could be inconvenient for those with older headphones, but it aligns with modern smartphone trends. Overall, the combination of display and audio features makes the HONOR X9c a reliable companion for media consumption.
Camera
The HONOR X9c’s camera system is designed to cater to a variety of photography needs. The 108MP main camera, equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), produces detailed and vibrant shots in daylight. The large f/1.75 aperture helps in capturing more light, ensuring good performance even in dimly lit conditions. The 5MP wide-angle lens allows for expansive shots, though there is minor distortion at the edges, which is common in this category.
The phone’s camera app includes features like AI photography, Night Mode, and Pro Mode, giving users flexibility in capturing different scenes. Night Mode enhances low-light photos by brightening the image and maintaining clarity, though some noise is noticeable. The front-facing 16MP camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls, with beauty mode and gesture controls adding convenience.
Video recording is supported at up to 4K resolution on the rear cameras, delivering smooth and detailed footage when stabilized. The front camera supports 1080p recording, which is suitable for casual use. While the camera system isn’t aimed at professionals, it offers excellent versatility for everyday photography and videography. Check out the sample video here.
Performance
The HONOR X9c is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and the Adreno A710 GPU. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and reliable performance in daily tasks. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or playing casual games, the phone handles it well. However, it may struggle with more resource-intensive games in higher settings.
The phone offered in the Philippines has 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The virtual RAM feature adds an extra layer of efficiency, especially for multitasking. However, there is no option for expandable storage, so users need to choose the variant that best suits their needs.
Running on MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14, the phone’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Gesture navigation, one-handed mode, and other features enhance usability. The software also includes some pre-installed apps, which might be unnecessary for some users but can be removed or disabled.
The HONOR X9c supports 5G, ensuring fast internet speeds where available. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, NFC for contactless payments, and accurate GPS for navigation. These features make it a well-rounded device for staying connected on the go.
Battery
The HONOR X9c is equipped with a 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery, providing excellent longevity. With moderate use, the phone easily lasts over a day on a single charge. Even with more intensive activities like gaming or video streaming, the battery performance remains reliable.
The 66W wired charging ensures quick recharges, with the phone reaching approximately 50% in just 30 minutes. This is particularly useful for users with busy schedules. However, the lack of wireless charging might disappoint some, especially those accustomed to this convenience. Despite this, the overall battery performance and fast charging capabilities make the HONOR X9c a dependable choice for users who prioritize battery life.
The Rundown
The HONOR X9c 5G is ideal for users looking for a well-rounded mid-range phone that balances aesthetics and functionality. It’s great for those who prioritize a vibrant display, a reliable camera system, and excellent battery life. Casual gamers, social media enthusiasts, and users who frequently consume multimedia content will find its features appealing. However, it might not fully satisfy hardcore gamers or those seeking expandable storage.
For professionals and students needing a dependable phone for multitasking and productivity, the X9c’s Snapdragon processor, large RAM options, and modern software offer smooth performance. If you value durability and are seeking a phone that can withstand minor water splashes and dust, the IP65M rating adds peace of mind.
